Written by Caleb Mitchell.

The final hours of Joe Biden’s presidency came with a twist that’s left political commentators and lawmakers reeling. As one of his last acts in office, Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to several controversial figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief architect of the COVID-19 response. This bold move has ignited debates over justice, accountability, and the erosion of American norms.

Biden’s Pre-Emptive Pardons: Who’s Covered?

In an unprecedented move, Biden’s pardons weren’t limited to Fauci. Among the recipients were members of the January 6 investigation team and Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had publicly criticized Donald Trump. Biden defended his decision, stating the pardons were meant to prevent “unjustified, politically motivated prosecutions.”

However, the language used in Biden’s statement has drawn intense scrutiny. He emphasized that these pardons should not be interpreted as admissions of guilt. Critics argue that the act itself, however, casts doubt on the innocence of those involved. For example, Fauci’s role during the pandemic has been a lightning rod for controversy, with detractors accusing him of misleading the public on critical health measures and funding questionable research overseas.

Taylor Budowich, a key figure in Donald Trump’s inner circle, wasted no time responding. In a fiery post on X, Budowich called the pardons “the greatest attack on America’s justice system in history.” His sentiment was echoed by other conservative leaders who see Biden’s actions as a shield for political allies rather than a fair application of justice.

Rand Paul’s Determination to Expose Fauci

One of the loudest critics of Biden’s pardons is Senator Rand Paul. Known for his tenacity and skepticism of government overreach, Paul has vowed to continue his investigation into Fauci’s actions during the pandemic. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Paul has positioned himself as a leading voice in uncovering what he calls “the truth behind the COVID cover-up.”

“Fauci’s pardon will only serve as an accelerant to pierce the veil of deception,” Paul declared in a social media post. He has doubled down on his claims that Fauci bears significant responsibility for the pandemic and its handling, calling the pardon an indirect admission of guilt.

Despite the legal protections a pardon provides, it does not exempt Fauci from testifying or complying with subpoenas. Paul has made it clear that he intends to leverage this to build a comprehensive case, aiming to reveal what he describes as “a web of deceit” surrounding the origins of COVID-19 and the government’s response.

A Controversial Legacy

The decision to include Mark Milley in the pardon list has also raised eyebrows. Milley, who famously described Trump as “fascist to the core,” became a divisive figure in the military and political spheres. While his defenders praise his commitment to democracy, critics argue that his public statements undermined the apolitical nature of his role.

The inclusion of the January 6 investigation team in the pardons has further fueled accusations of partisan favoritism. Biden’s rationale—to prevent politically driven prosecutions—has been interpreted by some as an admission that the team’s actions could be perceived as politically motivated. This has opened the door for Trump allies to question the legitimacy of the investigation and its findings.

Our Take

These last-minute pardons are a troubling precedent that threatens the integrity of America’s justice system. By shielding high-profile figures like Fauci and Milley from accountability, Biden has eroded public trust in the very institutions meant to uphold the law. This move has not only deepened political divides but also cast doubt on the impartiality of government oversight.

Conservatives see this as a dangerous pattern of protecting elites at the expense of transparency and justice. If leaders are allowed to act with impunity, it undermines the principle that no one is above the law. Rand Paul’s commitment to continuing the investigation is a crucial step in holding those in power accountable and restoring faith in the democratic process.